Drug Raids Target Six Homes, Clothing Store

Dozens of law officers stormed six residences and the Discoteca Zuly clothing store in an investigation into a marijuana smuggling ring.

Seized during the searches were $2,500 in cash, gold jewelry, four guns, documents connected with the 17-month investigation, and a small amount of marijuana and cocaine. Three vehicles were also confiscated.

Arrested Wednesday were Gerald Reeser, 38, and Jose Reyes, 32, both of Othello, and Angel Barragan, 25, of Moses Lake.

The three men were earlier indicted in federal court in Spokane on drug charges, said Grant County Sheriff William Wiester.

The Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is based at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in Ephrata, began investigating the ring in August 1994, Wiester said.

Investigators discovered large amounts of marijuana were being brought into southwestern states from Mexico, then distributed from Othello, Wiester said.

He said at least 1,500 pounds of marijuana were brought from Mexico to Othello and later distributed to other areas.